Centerfield

Britain, France, Germany, Turkey and the U.S. have recognized Kosovo. A couple of dozen more major nations are expected to follow. Most of the list opposed are Russian Federation states, and "client states" of either Russia or Red China.

Wonder if the Muslim countries will thank us for all the work we've done to protect the Kosovar Muslims from Serbian genocide. Not that it wasn't in our interest to undermine the anti-American jihadist influence on them....

Yeah, not a whole lot the Russians can do. It may be in Putin's interests to crank up the rhetoric and exploit the resulting Russian nationalism, but it's not in his interests to fire actual bullets.

There is a deeper problem I suspect. First I am not sure Eastern European countries like the idea and they were some of the most US supportive countries. Many of Kosovo's neighbors already have some problem with crime and militants hailing from Kosovo. If this does get ugly, it will be seen as a US failure. Putin will play on sentiments in Romania, Bulgaria. On the larger front as others have pointed out, China and Russia clearly are not pleased. Putin may decide to green light his own enclaves in the region who want their own national status. The effect is a rather tense situation along the Russian/ European border. The UN could become even more disfunctional with a tense situation brewing in Lebanon. We shoot down our spy sat and Putin starts sending more weapons to Chavez. I guess what I'm saying is that the trend is the danger, not this singular event. If China and Russia are forced together then not much will happen in Darfur, NK, or even constraints on Iran. Europe is sentive to Russian energy exports. We may be reaching a new level in a semi-cold war at the moment several dangerous situations are growing.

This isn't fear speaking, just reflections on the game of risk. Funny, that without Bush doing anything, there is increased tension. I wonder when the candidates will weigh in. I have always said global events WILL effect the campaigns. Kosovo, Lebanon, Iran and even AQ's readiness to arm Palestinians to take on Israel will present some tough questions for the Democrats who don't much like answering them. With words coming out from Iranian generals, the UN is too busy dealing with other problems.

As Tully says, break out the pop corn....

Mr. Swann covers the reasoning (other than sheer bloody-mindedness) behind Putin's opposition.

As for China, their reaction can be analyzed with one word: Tibet. Taiwan isn't, I suspect, their actual concern; at least, as long as the official position in for the Republic of China is the same as that of the People's Republic of China: that there is only one China, just a dispute over what its government will be. But that Tibet could someday try to do the same as Kosovo? Maybe not a high probability . . . but not for lack of desire by the residents.

I think Taiwan is a big issue and there is some growing opposition towards the Oympics which is keeping Chinese reaction at bay. There are a number of regions in China that might find Kosovo a signal, especially in Western China will militants have been trying to foment trouble.

Big problem with Russia, but as Tully said, no bullets likely. I expect Georgia will encounter problems as Putin does "ape" the West. Beware false flag operations trying to blame Kosovo. Putin knows trouble in Kosovo will be a black eye for the US.

And for all who are happy Musharraf did step down from the military and hold free elections, the new winners have declared

1. There is no military solution to the militants

2. The trouble in Pakistan was because Musharraf followed US policy.

3. Pakistan will NEVER alllow US forces on their soil.

Think about that Obama, Biden, Richardson.

See what happens when you get what you wished for?

Big problem with Russia, but as Tully said, no bullets likely.

I wasn't the one who said that. I make no predictions when it comes to the Russians. They're nuts.

Yes, I see that now, it was late and my eyes...my eyes..

Here is one for you Tully.

The question is whether media can filter out the news until Obama wins the primary. If people really get wind of the mess out there it favors Hillary. The more I look at the cards, the more I see how McCain will win.

Putin crazy? LOL the false flags are coming and the Russians see South America, Eastern Europe, Iran a much better game than during the Soviet years....crazy indeed.